Sarah mumbled something uncomplimentary which Jackson ignored. Patience wasn’t one of her greatest virtues. Soon they arrived and Jackson removed the blindfold.

Sarah blinked in the soft afternoon light before raising one eyebrow quizzically. “Isn’t a picnic in the park a little cliché?”

“Not in winter.” Jackson replied smugly. There wasn’t another soul around. Aside from Sarah’s quirky dread of the stereotypical that was why he’d chosen this spot. It might sound selfish but he wanted Sarah all to himself. He handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

“Jackson Jones I could just about marry you right now!”

Jackson’s jaw dropped. How did she know? Had he let something slip? But no she was preoccupied taking petite sips at her coffee. He suppressed a sigh of relief. “I forgot something in the car.” He announced before setting off to fetch the champagne, they’d need it soon enough. Before long she would tuck into the cucumber sandwich, her favourite, and discover a glittering sapphire ring. Diamonds were simply too cliché for Sarah.

When he returned Sarah was slumped over, a half eaten sandwich lay at her side. Her fingers twitched feebly and her face was blue. As Jackson futilely attempted to revive her he couldn’t help thinking perhaps fairytale endings were also too cliché for Sarah.